Electromechanical coupling



Oct. 23, 1962 G. R. ENGLUND ELECTROMECHANICAL COUPLING 4 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed sept. e, -1959 V TOR. 255% BY wamlemm, fdwmmd Wy,

Arran/EVS.

Oct. 23, 1962 Filed Sept. 8. 1959 4 Sheets-$heet 2 Z2 i n A: 26a ZZ E Z8l ,s 60 l50 't 4a l so I I e 46 l "f8 E E 46 f6 t 44 i 44 i l x l l l sl l F/(i 5 F/G. 6

INVENTOR. 94@

Oct. 23, 1962 G. R. ENGLUND ELECTROMECHANICAL CUPLING 4 Sheets-Sheet 3Filed Sept. 8, 1959 i alcvhu V TOR 6,5665 f BY 4 {MM2/MW ATTORA/ess Oct.23, 1962 Filed Sept. 8, 1959 OOOOO OOOOO ooooo G. R. ENGLUNDELECTROMECHANICAL COUPLING 4 Sheets-Sheet 4,V

United States Patent 3,059,844 ELECTRMECHANICAL COUPLENG Gusta R.England, Stockholm, Sweden, assignor to Svenska Dataregister AE,Stockholm, Sweden, a corporation of Sweden Filed Sept. 8, 1959, Ser. No.838,605 Claims priority, application Sweden Sept. 9, 1958 19 Claims.(Ci. 234-115) This invention relates to a controllable forcetransmitting means and, more particularly, to a new yand improvedpunching means.

In the construction of many types of machines, such as data handlingequipment, it is necessary to provide small assemblies `for controllingthe selective transfer of operating forces. Since each machine canrequire a large number of these assemblies, it is desirable for theforce transmitting units to be -both small in size and easily andeconomically constructed. As an example, in apparatus used in datahandling systems, it is common to provide a punching or perforatingassembly comprising die means and a plurality of punch elements that aremovable relative to each other. In these assemblies, the effectivenessof the punch element to punch a card or tape is controlled by aninterposer assembly which, in some arrangements, blocks movement of thepunch element relative to the die means and, in other arrangements,couples the punch element to an actuating means therefor.

Y Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved controllable force coupling assembly.

Another object is to provide a force coupling device using the relativepolarities of spaced magnetic elements to control the effectiveness ofthe coupling device.

A further object is to provide -a Iforce coupling means including a pairof spaced magnetic elements which are alternately moved out of or heldin an aligned force transmitting relationship by controlling theirrelative magnetic polarities.

A further object is to provide new and improved punching means.

A still further object is to provide a punch element assembly whoseeffectiveness is controlled by the relative magnetic polarities of `apair of magnetic elements in the assembly.

A further object is to provide a punching apparatus in which punchinginstructions are stored in the apparatus by the selective magnetizationof an element of a structure 'for transmitting force to a punch element.

Another object is t-o provide a punching apparatus including a pluralityof plural part punch means that are selectively actuated under thecontrol of magnetic patterns established in the component parts of thepunch means.

In accordance lwith these and many other objects, an embodiment of thepresent invention comprises first and second force transmitting meansincluding a pair of axially aligned and relatively movable sleeves. Oneof the sleeves movably supports a first 4magnetic element, and the otherof the sleeves supports a second magnetic element which is spaced fromand axially aligned with the first magnetic element. To control theeffectiveness of the force transmitting or coupling device, controlmeans are provided for controlling the relative polarities of theadjacent ends of the rst and second magnetic elements. lf the forcecoupling device is to be rendered effective, the adjacent ends of thefirst and second magnetic elements are provided with opposite magneticpolarities, and these end portions are provided with like magneticpolarities if the force coupling device is to be rendered ineffective.

When the first and second lforce transmitting means are moved towardeach other and opposite magnetic polarities 3,059,844 Patented Oct. 23,1962 are induced in the first and second magnetic element, the adjacentends of the first and second magnetic elements are heldin alignment sothat these two elements move into engagement 'with each other andtransmit force between the first and second force transmitting means.Alternatively, if like polarities are induced in the adjacent ends ofthe magnetic elements during movement of the force transmitting meanstowards each other, the first movably mounted magnetic element isdeflected out of alignment with the second magnetic element, and thesetwo elements do not move into mating engagement to provide means for-coupling force between the first and second force transmitting means.Thus, the relative polarities of the first and second magnetic elementsin the force coupling device determine the effectiveness thereof.

In order to provide means for controlling these relative polarities, thefirst and second magnetic elements can be formed of soft iron, forinstance, and coaxially extending windings can be disposed on the firstand second sleeves adjacent the first and second magnetic elements.Thus, by the selective energization of the two coils, the relativepolarities of the first and second magnetic elements can be controlled.Alternatively, it is possible to form either of the first or secondmagnetic elements of a permanent magnet and to provide only a singleoperating winding for the other of `these two elements. In anotherembodiment, the first and second magnetic elements are of permanentmagnetic material and an operating winding is provided for either one ofthe first and second elements for changing the residual field of thepermanent magnet. In this arrangement, the force coupling uniteffectively stores or remembers the previous signal or instruction sothat, during repeated cycles of operation, the coupling unit remainseffective or ineffective in accordance with the previously suppliedinstruction.

In a punching apparatus embodying the present invention, either thefirst or second sleeve is secured to a punch element having a `free endwhich is disposed adjacent a cooperating die means. When a punchingoperation is to be performed, the control 4means establishes the desiredrelative polarities -between the first and second magnetic elements sothat the movement of the punch elements relative to the die means iscontrolled in accordance with the engaged or displaced positions of thefirst and second magnetic elements. When the magnetic elements are bothformed of permanent magnetic material; it is possible to store apunching instruction in a plurality of punch element assemblies and tocause the stored item of information to be repetitively recorded untilsuch time as a second instruction, which alters the pattern of magnetismin the first and second magnetic elements, is received.

Many other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when considered' inconjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. l is a sectional View of a force coupling unit embodying thepresent invention which is shown in normal position;

FIG. 2 illustrates the unit shown in FIG. l in an ineffective condition;

FIG. 3 illustrates the unit shown in FIG. 1 in an effective condition;

FIG. 4 is a sectional View of a second embodiment of a force couplingunit shown in normal position;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the unit in FIG. 4 in aneffective condition;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the unit in FIG. 4in an ineffective condition;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view in partial section illustrating a punchingapparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view in partial section illus-l aosaeta tratinga second punching apparatus embodying the invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of another punching apparatus embodying thepresent invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of another punching apparatus or assemblyembodying the present invention.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, therein isshown an improved force coupling device, indicated generally as 2d,which embodies the present invention. The device or unit comprises apair of sleeves 22 and 24 lforming a pair of force transmitting members.The upper end of the sleeve 22 is secured to a shouldered force applyingelement, such as a punching element 26. The lower end of the sleeve 22is slidably connected to a reduced diameter portion 24a on the lowersleeve 24.

To provide means for controlling the effectiveness of the force couplingunit 20, a pair of magnetic elements 28 and 30 are provided. Themagnetic element 2d is movably mounted on the sleeve 22 by an enlargedhead portion 28a which rests on the upper Surface of an annular ilange22a defining a centrally disposed opening 32 through which the shankportion of the magnetic element 28 extends. The lower end of themagnetic element 28 is formed with a tapered portion 23]?. The magneticelement 30 is mounted within the opening in the sleeve 24 and is securedthereto lby an element 34 which closes the lower end ot the sleeve 24.The upper end of the magnetic element 30 is provided' with a tapered andrecessed portion 36a which is adapted to receive the tapered end 28h ofthe magnetic element 28. The elements 28 and 30 are so mounted in thesleeves 22 and 24 as to be axially aligned with and normally spaced fromeach other.

The effectiveness of the force coupling unit 2t) is controlled bycontrolling the relative polarities of the adjacent ends of the magneticelements 28 and 30. It the polarities of the adjacent ends of theelements 2S and 30 are the same, the element 28 is deliected to theposition shown in FIG. 2 when the sleeves 22 and 24 are moved towardeach other and the coupling unit 20 is ineffective. Alternatively, ifthe polarities of the adjacent ends of the elements 28 and 30 areopposite, these elements are moved to the engaged position illustratedin FIG. 3 in which the sleeves 22 and 24 are in a force couplingrelation. To provide one means for controlling the relative polaritiesof the magnetic elements 28 and 3d, a coil 36 is mounted within thesleeve 22 encircling the shank portion of the magnetic element 23. Ifthe element 28 is formed of soft iron, for instance, the lower` endthereof can 'be lbiased to assume any polarity 'by energizing the coil36 with a signal of proper polarity. Similarly, if the magnetic element30' is also formed of soft iron, for instance, a coil or winding 38 thatis mounted within the sleeve 24 can be energized by signals of suitablepolarity to cause the upper end of the element 30 to assume eitherpolarity.

`In operation and when the coupling unit 20 is to -be renderedinelective to transmit forces, suitable energizing signals are appliedto the coils 36 and 38 so that the lower end of the element 28 and theupper end of the element 30 assume like magnetic polarities. Relativeinwardly directed movement between the sleeves 22 and 24 is thenprovided by moving one or both of these sleeves. The like magneticpolarities of the adjacent portions of the elements 28 and 30 displacethe element 28 by pivoting the enlarged head portion 28a thereof on theupper surface of the liange 22a so that the element 28 is displaced tothe position shown in FIG. 2 and passes by the recessed upper portion30a of the element 30 during the relative movement. Thus, the Sleeves 22and 24 are not interconnected through the elements 28 and 30, and theforce coupling unit 20 is ineffective.

Alternatively, if the force coupling unit 20y is to be rendered eiectiveto transmit forces between the sleeves 22 and 24, suitable energizingsignals are supplied to the coils 36 and 38 so that the lower end of theelement 28 and the upper end or" the element 30 have opposite magneticpolarities. The sleeves 22 and 2d are moved inwardly relative to eachother so that the magnetic eld between the lower end of the element 28and the upper end of the element 30 holds these elements in alignmentand causes the tapered lower end portion 231i of the element 28 to bereceived within the recessed portion Zilla of the member 3U. Duringcontinuing movement of the sleeves 22 and 24, the enlarged head portion2da of the member 2S is lifted from engagement with the tlange 22a andengages a tapered lower end portion 26a of the punch element 26. Thistapered lower end portion 26a serves to deflect the member 28 to theposition shown in FIG. 2 unless the lower end thereof is properlypositioned within the recessed portion 30a of the member 3i). Thus,during continuing movement, the sleeves 22 and 24 are positively coupledin a force transmitting relationship through the elements 30 and 28. Thesleeves 22 and 24 are restored to the normal position illustrated inFIG. l at the end of the power transmitting stroke. When theenergization of the coils 36 and 2S is removed, the elements 2S and 30restore to their previous condition if these elements are formed of asoft iron that has a low magnetic retention characteristic.

Since the operability of the force coupling unit 20 is determined by therelative polarities of the adjacent ends of the magnetic elements 2d and3i?, a number of different means can be provided for controlling thisfactor. In a second embodiment of the invention, one or the other of theelements 28 and 3d is formed of permanent magnetic material, and onlythe other of these two elements is provided with an energizing coil,such as the coils 36 and 33. As an example, if the element 28 is formedas a perma-nent magnet, the coil or winding 36 is removed and only themagnetic element 30 is provided with the winding 33. Thus, by energizingythe winding 38, the upper end of the magnetic element 30 can be made toassume a polarity that is either the same as or opposite to the polarityof the lower end of the permanent magnetic element 23. Similarly, theelement 30 can be formed of permanent magnetic material so that only thecoil 36 for controlling the polarity of the lower .end of the magneticelement 28 is required.

in a third embodiment of the coupling unit 20` that is particularlyuseful in storing operating instructions in the unit 2t), both of theelements 28 and 30 are formed of permanent magnetic material and aselected one of the coils 36 and 3S is provided. Assuming that theelements 23 and 3@ are formed of permanent magnetic material and thatthe coil 38 is removed, the coil 36 can be momentarily energized by asignal of a selected polarity so that the residual field in thepermanent m-agnetic element -28 biases its lower end to assume eitherpolarity. This magnetic polarity remains until such time as the coil 36is next energized. `In the interval between subsequent energizations ofthe coil 36, the coupling unit 20 remains conditioned for being renderedeither eiective or ineffective in accordance with the relativepolarities of the adjacent ends of the elements ZS and 30. Thus, thecoupling unit 20 effectively stores the preceding instruction suppliedthereto in the form of the magnetic pattern established in the elements28 and 30. It is also possible to form both of the elements 2S and 30 ofa permanent magnetic material and to retain only the coil 38. In thismodiiication, the coupling nnit 2t) operates in the same manner asdescribed above except that the residual magnetism of the element 30rather than that of the element 28 is controlled.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 6 of the drawings, therein is shown a forcecoupling unit 42 which is fundamentally the same as the unit 2t) exceptthat the force transmitting means including the sleeve 24 and themagnetic element 36 is replaced by a magnetic element or plunger 44th-at is slidably mounted within the lower end of the sleeve 22. Themagnetic element 44 serves the functions of both the sleeve 24 and themagnetic element 30. The upper end of the magnetic element 44, whichincludes a first stepped portion 46 and a second stepped portion 48, isbi-ased to provide a particular magnetic polarity either by theprovision of a coil corresponding to the winding 38 and/or by formingthe element 44 of permanent magnetic material. A nonmagnetic element 50,carried on the upper end of the member 44, serves to space the lower endof the element 28 from the upper end of the element 44 in the normalposition of the unit 42.

When the sleeve 22 and the element 44 are moved inwardly relative toeach other, the lower end of the element 28 engages the shoulder of thestepped portion 48 (FIG. 5) if the lower end of the element 28 and theupper end of the element 44 are of opposite polarities. Thus, force istransmitted directly from the magnetic element 44 through the element 28to the sleeve 22 and the force applying means secured thereto.Alternatively, if the polarities of the lower end of the element 28 andthe upper end of the element 44 are the same, the element 28 is deectedinto the stepped portion 46 (FIG. 6), and the sleeve 22 is not placed inthe force transmitting relationship with the magnetic element 44.

Referring now more specically to FIG. 7 of the drawings, therein isshown a punch assembly 68 which embodies the force coupling unit 20 andwhich is selectively rendered effective in accordance with the magneticpattern established in the elements 28 and 30. The punching apparatus 60includes a `die means comprising a female die plate 62 having an opening64 therein that is aligned with the upper end of the punch element 26carried on the sleeve 22. A workpiece 66, such as a card or tape, isinterposed between the lower surface of the die plate 62 and the upperend of the punch element 26.

To adapt the force coupling unit 2t] for use in the punching appara-tus6i?, the lower end of the element 34 carried on the sleeve 24 is secured-to a supporting frame so that the sleeve 24 is positively securedagainst movement. The sleeve 22, which is slidably connected to thesleeve 24- is also slidably mounted within an opening 68 in a framemember 70. In the modification shown in FIG. 7, only the magneticelement 30 is provided with the operating coil or Winding 38 and theelements 28 and 30l are formed of permanent magnetic material.

When the opening is to be punched in the workpiece 66, an energizingsignal is supplied to the coil 38 so that the upper end of the element30 lassumes a polarity opposite to that of the lower end of thepermanent magnetic element 28. The die plate 62 is then moved downwardlyby suitable means (not shown) so that this plate presses the workpiece66 against the upper end of the punch element 26. This forces the punchelement 26 and the sleeve 22 downwardly so that the lower end of theelement 28 moves toward the upper end of the element 30; Since theadjacent portions of the elements 28 and 30 are biased to oppositepolarities, the tapered portion 28b of the element 28 enters therecessed portion 30a of the element 30. Continuing downward movementlifts the .element 28 within the sleeve 22 until the enlarged headpor-tion 28a thereof engages Ithe lower tapered end 26a of the punchelement 26. At this time, downward movement of the punch element 26 andthe sleeve 22 is arrested so that the upper end of this elementcooperates with the opening 64 in the die plate 62 to punch an openingin the workpiece 66. In the event that the adjacent portions of theelements 28 and 3l) are set to like magnetic polarities, the lower endof the elemen-t 28 passes by the upper end ofthe element 30, and theworkpiece 66 is not punched because of the ability of the punch element26 to move downwardly with the die plate 62. At the completion of thepunching operation,

the die plate 62 and the punch element 26 are returned to the positionillustrated in FIG. 7 by suitable means (not shown).

Although the relative polarities of the elements 28 and 36 are shown inFlG. 7 as being controlled by providing the coil 38 and by forming bothof the elements 28 and 30 of permanent magnetic material, the forcecoupling structure embodied in the punch apparatus 68 can-obviously beof any of the types described above.

FIG. 8 of the drawings illustrates a punching apparatus 72 that isgenerally the same as the punching apparatus 68. In the punchingassembly 72, the die plate 62 is secured in a Xed position and thesleeve 22 of the force coupling unit is again slidably mou-nted withinthe opening 68 in the frame supporting structure 782. However, thesleeve 24, rather than being rigidly secured to a xed supporting frame,is secured to a reciprocable frame element 74. When the punchingapparatus 72 is to be operated, the relative polarities of the elements28 and 30 are controlled by the application of a signal to the coil 38and the iframe structure 74 is moved upwardly. lf the polarities of theadjacent portions of the elements 28 and 3@ are similar, the lower endof the element 28 passes by the upper end or" the element 38 and thepunch element 26 is not actuated. Alternatively, if the ad jacentportions of the elements 28 and 38 have opposite polarities, the upperend of the element 30 moves upwardly into engagement with the lower endof the element 28, and the head portion 28a is subsequently moved intoengagement with the tapered lower portion 26a of the punch element 26.This causes the punch element 26 and the sleeve 22 to slide upwardlyWithin the opening 68 so that the workpiece 66 is punched. The frameelement 74 then moves downwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 8to restore the punching apparatus 72 to its normal condition. Althoughthe punching apparatus 72 is shown as including a force coupling unit inwhich the elements 28 and 38 are formed of permanent magnetic materialand only the single coil 33 is provided, this yforce coupling unit cantake the -form of any of the embodiments or modifications describedabove.

FIG. 9 of the drawings illustrates an additional punching apparatus 80which is similar to the punching assemblies 68 and 72 and which embodiesa force coupling unit similar to the unit 20. In general, the punchingapparatus includes a fixed frame member 82 having an upper opening 84 inwhich is slidably mounted the sleeve 22 on which the magnetic element 28and the punch element 26 are carried. A llower portion of the frame 82defines an opening 86 which is axially aligned with the opening or bore84 and in which is disposed a coil 88. The portions of the frame 82adjacent the upper and lower ends of the opening 86 are provided withtwo reduced diameter openings 90 and 92 in which intermediate portionsof a magnetic element 94 are slidably mounted. The element 94corresponds to the element 30 in the `force coupling unit 20. Themagnetic elements 28 and 94 are formed of permanent magnetic material sothat-the energization of the coil 88 establishes either like or oppositerelative polarities between the upper end of lthe element 94 and `thelower end of the element 28.

When the punching apparatus 80 is placed in operation, the element 94 ismoved upwardly by suitable means (-not shown) so that the element 28 isdeflected out of alignment therewith if the adjacent portions of theelements 28 and 94 are of like polarities. If the adjacent portions ofthese elements are biased to opposite polarities, the upper end of theelement 94 engages the lower end of the element 28 and these twoelements move upwardly so that the head portion 28a of the element 28engages the tapered lower portion 26a of the punch element 26.Thereafter, the sleeve 22 and the punch element 26 move upwardly topunch an opening in the workpiece 66 which is interposed between theupper accessi 7 end of the punch element 26 and the lower surface of thefixed `die plate `62. At the completion of the punching operation, 'theapparatus 80 is restored to the norma-l position illustrated in FIG. 9.The relative polarities of the elements 28 and 94 can be controlled byany of the means described above.

FIG. l of the drawings illustrates a typical punching assembly,indicated generally as 100, in which the punching means described aboveare useful. The punching assembly 100 includes a plurality of similarpunch element units 102 which, for instance, can comprise the units `60shown in FIG. 7. The lower ends of the units 102, which are arrangedtransversely of a record medium 104, such as a card or tape, are fixedlysecured to a supporting structure so that the punch elements 26 at theupper ends thereof are disposed beneath the lower surface of theworkpiece 104. A die plate 106 having a plurality of apertures S thereinaligned with the punch elements 26 is disposed above the workpiece 104.

To provide means `for selectively energizing the coils or windings 38 inthe punch units 102 so that the punch elements 26 are selectivelyrendered effective and ineffective to perforate the workpiece 104, acontrol circuit 110 is provided, the output of which is connected to thecoils 38 in the punch units 102 by a cable 112. The control circuit 110,which can include any of the many well known circuits for supplyingsuitably shaped signals of proper polarity, is provided with a pair ofsignal inputs. One of these inputs is connected to a sensing head 114that senses and reproduces information recorded on a record medium 116.The other input of the control circuit 110 is connected to a keyboardassembly 110. When the record medium 116 is moved relative to thesensing head 114, parallel or sequential signals representing the datastored on the record medium 116 are reproduced and supplied through thecircuit 110 and the cable `112 to the windings 38 in the punch units102. These signals selectively magnetize the elements 30' in the units-102 in accordance with whether the related unit 102 is to perform apunching operation. Thus, the punch units 102 are selectively renderedeffective and ineffective in accordance with the pattern ofmagnetization established in the permanent magnetic members 30.Similarly, if the information to be recorded on the workpiece 104 is tobe manually entered, the keyboard assembly 118 is actuated to supplysignals over the circuit 110 and the cable 112 to the windings 30 in thepunch units 102. Although the units 102 in the system, illus* trated inFIG. l0 are similar to the unit 60 shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings linwhich the elements 20 and 30 are formed of permanent magnetic materialso as to be capable of storing received information, it is obvious thatthe units 102 can be of any of the other types described above.

The die plate 106 is connected to a cam follower rod 120 by a pair ofsupporting elements 122 and 124, and the cam follower rod 120 is biasedinto engagement with a pair of cams 126 and 128 by a pair of compressionsprings 130 and 132 interposed between the `frame and the plate 106. Thecams 126 and 128 are secured to a shaft 134 which extends to a drivemeans 136. When a start signal is received from the control circuit 110,the drive means 136 is placed in operation so that the shaft 134 isrotated through a single cycle of revolution. During this cycle ofrotation, the cam follower rod 120 and the die plate 106 are moveddownwardly towards the plurality of punch units 102. During thisdownward movement, the punch units 102 selectively block or permitmovement of the punch elements 26 in the manner set forth above in thedescription of the operation of the unit 60 so that the informationstored in the punch units 102 is recorded in the workpiece 104. A driveroller or sprocket 138, which is connected to the drive means 136 by ashaft 140, advances the workpiece 104 relative to the punch units 102incident to each cycle of punching operation.

If the same information previously stored in the punch units 102 is tobe repetitively recorded in the workpiece 104, it is not necessary torepetitively enter the desired information inasmuch as the previouslyentered signals remain stored in the selective magnetization of thepermanent magnetic elements 30. Thus, continuing operation of the drivemeans 136 causes the previously entered items `of information to berecorded until such time as the next punching instruction or controlsignal is supplied from the circuit 110.

Although the above invention has been described with reference to anumber of embodiments thereof, it is obvious that those skilled in theart can make many modifications and embodiments which will fall withinthe spirit and scope of the principles of this inventtion.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:

l. A mechanical signal storage unit comprising a pair of magneticallysusceptible elements, a first one of said elements being magnetized sothat a first portion thereof has a. given polarity, Winding meansdisposed adjacent a second one of said elements, a signal sourceconnected to said Winding means for magnetizing said second element sothat a first portion thereof assumes a polarity that is the same as oropposite to the polarity of said first portion of said first element,and means for producing relative movement between said first and secondelements toward and away from each other so that said first por tionsselectively are moved into and out of engagement with each other inaccordance with their previously established relative polarities.

2. A force coupling assembly comprising a first force coupling meansincluding a first magnetic element, a second force coupling meansincluding a second defiectable magnetic element, means for moving saidfirst and second force coupling means toward each other so that saidfirst and Second magnetic elements are moved adjacent each other, andmeans for controlling the polarity of at least one of said first andsecond magnetic elements so that as said first and second elements aremoved toward each other said second element is selectively moved intoforce coupling engagement with said first magnetic element or deflectedout of force coupling engagement with said first magnetic element.

3. A force coupling device comprising a first force transmitting means,a second force transmitting means, means mounting at least one of saidfirst and second force transmitting means for rectilinear movementrelative to the other of said force transmitting means, a first magneticelement movably mounted on said first force transmitting means, a secondmagnetic element mounted on said second force transmitting meansadjacent but spaced from said first magnetic element, and control meansfor controlling the movement of said first magnetic element into and outof the path of said rectilinear movement so that said first and secondforce transmitting means are freed for relative movement or areconnected for the transmission of a component of force in the directionof said rectilinear movement, said control means including means forcontrolling the relative polarities of said first and second magneticelements so that the position of said movable first element relative tosaid second element is controlled by the polarities thereof.

4. The force coupling device set forth in claim 3 in which one of saidfirst and second magnetic elements is a permanent magnet and in whichsaid control means includes a winding disposed adjacent the other ofsaid first and second magnetic elements.

5. The force coupling device set forth in claim 3 in which said controlmeans includes a first winding disposed adjacent said first magneticelement and a second winding Adisposed adjacent said second magneticelement.

6. The force coupling device set forth in claim 3 in which both of saidmagnetic elements are permanent magnets and in which said control meansincludes a winding disposed adjacent a selected one of said first andsecond magnetic elements.

7. A force coupling device comprising a first sleeve, a first magneticelement movably mounted on said first sleeve, a second sleeve slidablyconnected to said first sleeve, a second magnetic element carried onsaid second sleeve in axial alignment with said first magnetic element,and control means for controlling the relative polarities f said firstand second magnetic elements so that said first magnetic element is heldin or moved out of axial alignment with said second magnetic element,said first and second elements being moved into engagement to place saidfirst and second sleeves in a force transmitting relation when saidfirst and second elements are held in axial alignment and said first andsecond sleeves being maintained out of a force transmitting relationshipwhen said first magnetic element is moved out of axial alignment withsaid second magnetic element.

8. The force coupling device set forth in claim 7 in which said controlmeans includes a winding carried on said second sleeve surrounding atleast a portion of said second magnetic element.

9. The force coupling device set forth in claim 7 in which said firstand second magnetic elements include oppositely tapered end portionsthat are movable into and out of mating engagement when said first andsecond sleeves are moved relatively to each other.

10. A punch assembly comprising die means, a punch element mounted formovement relative to said die means, a first magnetic element mounted onsaid punch element, a second magnetic element axially aligned with saidfirst magnetic element, means mounting one of said first and secondmagnetic elements for deflection relative to the other of said rst andsecond magnetic elements, and control means for controlling the relativepolarities of said first and second magnetic elements to hold said firstand second magnetic elements in an aligned or displaced relationship soas to selectively control the movement of said punch element relative tosaid die means.

1l. The punch assembly set forth in claim 10 in which at least one ofsaid first and second magnetic elements comprises a permanent magnet andin which said control means includes a winding disposed adjacent theother of said first and second magnetic elements for controlling thed'polarity thereof.

l2. A force coupling device comprising first and second forcetransmitting means; means mounting at least one of said Ifirst andsecond force transmitting means for movement relative to the other ofsaid force transmitting means, at least one of said force transmittingmeans including a movable magnetic structure disposed in the path ofrelative movement between said first and second force transmitting meansfor engaging the other of said force transmitting means to preventrelative movement between said first and second force transmittingmeans, the other of said force transmitting means including a magneticportion adapted to be engaged by said movable magnetic structure; andmeans for selectively moving said structure into and out of said path ofrelative movement including means for controlling the relative magneticpolarities of said movable structure and said magnetic portion.

13. A force coupling device comprising first and second forcetransmitting means; means mounting at least one of said first and secondforce transmitting means for movement relative to the other of saidforce transmitting means, at least one of said force transmitting meansincluding a movable structure disposed in the path of relative movementbetween said first and second force transmitting means for engaging theother of said force transmitting means to prevent relative movementbetween said first and second force transmitting means; and controlmeans for controlling the movement of said movable structure into 10 andout of said path of movement, said control means including magneticportions movable with said rst and second force transmitting means intoadjacent positions and means for controlling the relative magneticpolarities of said magnetic portions.

14. A force coupling device comprising first and second forcetransmitting means, means mounting said first and second forcetransmitting means for substantially rectilinear movement therebetween,a magnetic portion on one of said force transmitting means, a magneticelement on the other of said force transmitting means movable into andout of the path of movement between said first and second forcetransmitting means for selectively engaging said magnetic portion toarrest rectilinear movement between said rst and second forcetransmitting means, and means for shifting the position of said magneticelement into and out of alignment with said magnetic portion in thedirection of said rectilinear movement including means for controllingthe relative magnetic polarities of said magnetic element and saidmagnetic portion.

l5. A punching apparatus comprising die means, punch means disposedadjacent said die means, said punch means including a punch element andfirst and second magnetic means, means for moving said first and secondmagnetic means relative to each other along a generally rectilinear pathof movement, and control means for rendering said punch elementeffective to perform a punching operation in conjunction with said diemeans including means for controlling the relative magnetic polaritiesof said first and second magnetic means to move said first and secondmagnetic means into and out of alignment in said path of rectilinearmovement, movement of said first and second magnetic means intoalignment in said path of movement arresting relative movementtherebetween to render said punch element effective to perform apunching operation.

16. A punching apparatus comprising die means; a plurality of punchmeans disposed adjacent said die means, each of said punch meansincluding a punch element and rst and second magnetic means; movingmeans for moving each pair of said first and second magnetic meansrelative to each other along a generally rectilinear path of movement;and control means for rendering said punch means effective to perform apunching operation in conjunction with said die means, said controlmeans including a source of punching instructions representing data tobe recorded by said apparatus, and means controlled by said source forcontrolling the relative polarities of said pairs of first and secondmagnetic means to move said first and second magnetic means into and outof alignment in said path of rectilinear movement, movement of saidfirst and second magnetic means into alignment in said path of movementarresting relative movement therebetween to render the related punchelement effective to perform a punching operation.

17. The punching apparatus set forth in claim 16 in which said movingmeans includes means for moving said die means toward said punch means.

18. A punching apparatus comprising die means; a plurality of punchmeans disposed adjacent said'x die means, each of said punch meansincluding a punch element and first and second magnetic means; means formoving each pair of said first and second magnetic means relative toeach other along a generally rectilinear path of movement; and controlmeans for rendering said punch means effective to perform a punchingoperation in conjunction with said die means, said control meansincluding a source of punching instructions representing data to berecorded by said apparatus, and means controlled by said source forselectively establishing different patterns of retained magnetism insaid pairs of first and second magnetic means to move said first andsecond magnetic means into and out of alignment in said path ofrectilinear movement, movement of a pair of said first and secondmagnetic means into alignment in said path of movement arrestingrelative movement therebetween 1 "it to render the related punch elementetective to perform a punching operation.

19. A punching apparatus comprising die means, punch means disposedadjacent said die means, a pair of elongated magnetic means disposedgenerally in alignment with each other and with said punch means tocontrol the freedom of movement of said punch means, means for producingaxially directed movement of said elongated magnetic means relative toeach other, and control means for selectively rendering said punch meanseffective and ineffective to perform a punching operation in conjunctionWith said die means, said control means including means References Citedin the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,646,145 Durston July2,1, 1953 2,744,578 Mallina May 8, 1956 2,956,740 McGregor Oct. 18, 19602,969,434 McGuire Ian, 24, 1961

